Analysis of pipeline networks using two-ports

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Majority of vibration problems arise in pipeline networks are attributed to the high-pressure pulsations. Pulsations are generated by fluid machines such as compressors and pumps. These pulsations turn into shaking forces at elements such as pipe bends and pipe reducers, which in turn excite vibrations in the connected piping network. High vibrations beyond the endurance limit of the pipe material may cause damage to pipes, supports, and equipment. In addition, if the source pulsation frequency coincides with one of the natural frequencies of the piping network, resonance will take place and the vibrations will be magnified to a large scale. Obviously, if these vibrations are not well controlled, they might cause damage to the whole system and foundation, and might lead to substantial financial losses. Thus, prediction of pulsations is important for safe and proper operation. In this paper, a pilot plant equipped with a reciprocating compressor, pipes, bends, and terminated by a vessel is built. The network is modeled using the two-port theory that splits the network into several cascaded elements, and predicts the response of the network. The prediction model uses the measured compressor source data as an input, which is determined by the indirect multi-load method that is usually used to characterize internal combustion engines. A pulsation suppression device is designed, modeled, manufactured and inserted into the pilot network. The pressure pulsations are measured with and without the pulsation suppression device, and compared to the predictions using the two-port theory.